25/05/2026
RUMBEK LIVE TV NEWS
Headline:
SSPDM/SSPDF–IO ALLIANCE PROTESTS EXCLUSION FROM DAR ES SALAAM PEACE CONSULTATIONS
The South Sudan People’s Defence Movement / South Sudan People’s Defence Forces – In Opposition (SSPDM/SSPDF–IO) and its allied movements have issued a statement from Port Sudan protesting their exclusion from a high-level consultation meeting on South Sudan held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 21–22 May 2026.
The document, addressed to former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete in his capacity as African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, states that the meeting was presented as an inclusive platform for South Sudanese opposition groups and stakeholders; however, SSPDM/SSPDF–IO was not invited.
The alliance argues that:
• It is a recognised opposition movement and a key stakeholder in South Sudan’s political and security landscape;
• Excluding major actors undermines the legitimacy and representativeness of the process; and
• Such exclusion risks deepening mistrust and creating parallel negotiation tracks.
While expressing “deep concern and disappointment” over the omission, SSPDM/SSPDF–IO reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the conflict. The group insists that any credible peace process must be guided by justice, inclusivity, fairness, and transparency.
The alliance is calling for:
1. Clarification of the criteria used to select participants for the Dar es Salaam meeting;
2. Formal recognition of SSPDM/SSPDF–IO as a legitimate stakeholder in all current and future dialogue initiatives;
3. Assurances of inclusion in subsequent meetings and processes; and
4. Follow-up or expanded consultations to include stakeholders who were not present in Dar es Salaam.
The statement is signed in Port Sudan on 25 May 2026 by leaders of SSPDM/SSPDF–IO.
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